eSATA PCI-X Question

[amp88]

Another question from me...

I'm looking at buying a new PC at some point in the near future but I'm holding back for the new Penryns. In the meantime, I'd like to upgrade my storage. I'm now looking at getting an 8 bay eSATA enclosure (something like the EnhanceBox E8-PM, although I'm open to alternative suggestions). My question is this...if I buy a PCI-X eSATA card (this one, for example) and the enclosure, will I be able to use it in my ageing current system (ASUS A7N8X board)? I know PCI-X is supposed to be backwards compatible with PCI but I've been bitten in the past by such things.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

 

[axan]

yes you can stick pci-x card in regular pci slot you just wont get full performance out of the product

 

[amp88]

Ok, thanks for the quick reply

Another question is if I get a RAID5 array set up with this PC then buy the new PC in a couple of months time can I just get a new card for the new PC and keep the array as it is with this PC or will I have to do any new configuration? I don't want to get this array set up with my current PC only to have to do it again or risk losing data a couple of months down the line...

 

[axan]

you can only move your raid array setup from 1 comp to another if they use same controller card or at least same brand controller. Most raid cards will let you move raid setup from model x to model y, but you can't move from high point controller to lsi or 3ware without loosing all data.

 

[amp88]

Ah, Ok. So, if I buy the PCI-X card I linked to above just now, will I be able to buy a pci-e card from the same manufacturer when I get the new PC and move it across without losing anything?

 

[axan]

it should work fine, but before you buy the pcix card shoot the tech department email and ask if they support raid migration from the pcix model card to the pci-e card you want to buy in the future

 

[amp88]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I've sent them an email so I'll hold off doing anything for their reply.

 

[amp88]

Got a reply from their customer services (very impressive - a reply within 45 minutes) and they say it won't be a problem recognising the array as long as I install the drivers in the new machine. Thanks for your help.